The sun shone brightly on the Beauty industry as a reported 4,500 attendees lined up at MakeUp in NewYork (MUNY)—held September 20-21, at the Javits Center in Manhattan—for the latest look at the offerings of international cosmetics and skincare formulators and packaging suppliers.
 
As the struggle for what exactly defines sustainable packaging continues, the majority of exhibitors were providing top-of-mind eco-solutions.
 
An array of higher end sustainable products stood out for both innovation and eco-concerns. Recyclables and refillables had a strong presence in packaging, with options that included components made of glass (including for lipstick and mascara), metal and wood, recyclable pumps, rPET and paper. Deco was often carefully thought out so as not to interfere with recycling.
 
Some suppliers offered multiple (or mix-and-match) versions of popular components so brands can select mirror or no mirror, glue or no glue, etc., depending on their level of sustainable commitment. More suppliers were focusing attention on features such as “recycle-ready,” “easily separable,” mono-materials, a reduction of materials & components, and more. Pop-in pop-out products make it easy for consumers to adapt to reusables/refillables. There was also a focus on dispensing, making it as effortless as possible for consumers to apply products thanks to pushbuttons and caps, airtight and other sticks, and pencils.
 
There also seemed to be an increase in turnkey providers—for quick and smooth concept-to-finished-product delivery. Beautifully decorated and embellished color palettes continued to draw attention.
 
Another growing trend that we noted and, which was recently flagged on TikTok, had grown in popularity—color-changing cosmetics, from lipstick and eye shadow, to a tanning effect, with some formulations reacting to individuals’ skin chemistry.
 
Several new gestures in applicators were also seen around the show floor.
 
Many exhibitors we spoke with felt there was “a good range of brands and good conversations with visitors” at MakeUp in NewYork.
 
Following is a rundown of some of the suppliers and highlights we spotted on the show floor. Exhibitors are arranged in alphabetical order:

A&H Cosmetics

Based in Shanghai, but also with a North American team, one of A&H’s featured products at MUNY was an all-glass tube with a silicon applicator for lip gloss. The company manufactures formulas and fills others’ packaging—color, skin, pressed powder, etc. As far as packaging, A&H offers a variety of mono-material and refillable compacts.

Aircos, Anjac Health & Beauty Group

Aircos, Anjac Health & Beauty Group specializes in "Made in France" cosmetic powders using innovative textures with unique effects and colors and hygienic applications. At MakeUp in NewYork, the company highlighted its Aquastick Sheer Foundation, a hydrating, refillable stick that is available in 5 shades. The minimalistic formula is 99% natural origin and includes only 9 ingredients.

Allta Packaging

Heat-sensing lip color that changes according to pH was a hit at Allta Packaging. The bulk formula morphs from lighter to deeper red. A liquid eyeshadow with a textured holographic effect was interesting, as was a lip mask that looks like creamy, fluffy ice cream in a jar.

Alltub

At Alltub, aluminum tubes now come with aluminum caps for easy recycling. PCR aluminum is also available. Made from 100% recycled aluminum, 95% of which is post-consumer recycled, the For Skin tube features a cap made from 100% virgin aluminum. It is 100% infinitely recyclable.

Amfora

Peru-based Amfora Packaging displayed an array of metallization capabilities for striking decorative and tactile effects on components including compacts, bottles, jars, caps, lipsticks and palettes—some with a highly textural sand-like finish. Processes can be used on metals, plastics and Surlyn.

APC Packaging

APC Packaging just launched two new lines of PET Jar, the JEBL and JEBH. PET jars are shatter-resistant, lightweight and recyclable. The JEBH series offers a slightly thicker base and different capacities and dimensions than the JEBL version. Both options can have up to 50% PCR incorporated.
 
APC’s patented Airless Refillable System has been paired with a new aluminum outer shell to enhance the premium value as well as increase the sustainability of the overall package. The system features an internal cartridge that can be recycled, allowing for the reuse of the same actuator and outer bottle. 

Axilone

Axilone presented EVERLAST, a complete packaging solution for recyclable and refillable premium lipsticks, with a wide range of options as far as shapes, mechanisms and diameters. All can be customized for creating premium, long-lasting lipsticks, including square and round shapes, full aluminum and full plastic versions, supported and non-supported mechanisms, short and long sleeves, and more. A wide array of decorations is available, and now customers can use Axilone’s digital creation tool that’s just launched; 3D drawings can be validated in-house.   
 
Also available: Refillable lipsticks with patented technologies, such as the Lock-Key system; and Clic-Fit Technology.

Brivaplast

Brivaplast highlighted its newest makeup collection, Mind the Street, at MakeUp in NewYork. The company’s “love of graffiti” collection “seeks to explore and experiment with the potential of colors through makeup.” Brivaplast collaborated with the artist Robert Marjoribanks to enrich the packaging line.
 
Their Wonderland collection features a patented refillable mascara, their newest sustainable solution for makeup, which combines quality, ergonomics, visual impact and ease of use. The pouch can be disposed of in a plastic collection bin, like a traditional mascara bottle.

CG Cosmetic Group

CG Cosmetic Group offered a number of formulation solutions. One, a compressed oil, goes from a watery cream to an oil—and provides a nice glow. A very versatile, spongy, whipped blush received attention, as did a D5-free eyeliner that lasts all day. It goes on black and stays velvety—with no carbon black substance.

Choebe Package Company

Choebe Package Company, from Dongguan, showed attendees a clever applicator with a lipstick on one side; a lip gloss on the other. The pack uses bio-based resins for reducing plastic usage. The product is still in development.

Cosmei

Cosmei was focusing its efforts on mono-material components, including refills and airtight sticks for water-based skincare and makeup. The company is adding to its collection with rounded edges for baked products. Digital printing is available—and is “no problem for recycling compacts.”

Cosmetica

Cosmetica’s extensive stand celebrated “the timeless beauty rituals” of icons like Cleopatra, Marie-Antoinette and Queen Victoria. The installation also featured an interactive "mirror booth" highlighting Cosmetica's latest patent-pending product innovation, Auratech. This “first-in-market” eyeshadow formulation offers customers advanced efficacy including an extra-creamy texture, and “a high-impact application with low fallout.”
 
Commenting on the booth, Maria Osorio, Cosmetica's director of marketing and product development, said, "Cosmetica's DNA is rooted in creativity and innovation, which translates into everything we do including event activations.” The company has two manufacturing facilities in Toronto, and a state-of-the-art innovation hub in Los Angeles.

Cosmopak

Cosmopak introduced three new “Rooted in Beauty” collections including turnkey, eco-forward packaging and accessories. All items are conceptual samples to help provide clients a creative starting point to jumpstart their product development process.
 
The packaging collection showcases an array of eco-forward options regarding sustainable materials and objectives. This collection embodies Cosmopak’s ongoing commitment to fostering environmentally conscious solutions, including a newly developed stackable version of their previous paper pulp compact launched in July 2022. The new rendition—Cosmopak’s stackable paper pulp compact—was selected as a finalist for the MUNY 2023 IT awards. Also available: eco-forward paper-wrapped mechanical cosmetic pencils, and much more including mono-material, glass, refillable, bio-material, paper and wood options.
 
The accessory collection includes mini totes, belt packs, cosmetic bags and pencil cases in a variety of materials including natural wax canvas, tinted pvc, underglass polyester shearling and neoprene.
 
The turnkey collection features clean and high-performance color cosmetics, skincare and body care formulas paired with innovative packaging.

Crystal Claire

A fully integrated contract manufacturer of color cosmetics and skincare, with a primary packaging manufacturing facility in China, Crystal Claire Cosmetics showcased a mono-material compact in 100% PET. The compact is made completely of plastic, with no metal pin, making it easy to recycle, and it can be molded in any color.

Derik Industrial

With sustainability an important feature at Derik Industrial, the supplier offered several patent-pending innovations as well as stock refillables, mono-material components and PCR/biodegradable materials. One innovation the company showcased at MUNY was a liquid blush with a self-contained sponge for application.

Eisen

With over 100 years of experience and strong roots in German engineering, Eisen says it has mastered creating the “essential and perfect” beauty accessory for its customers. At MUNY, the Germany-based supplier showed an extensive range of sharpeners that includes single, dual, 5-in-1 and luxury finishes. Eisen says it has made a series of commitments to reduce its carbon footprint and work towards a more sustainable future using 100% PCR material. The company is also investing in efficient manufacturing technologies with low energy consumption.

Fusion Packaging

FusionPKG highlighted their recycle-ready Mix & Match glass collection featuring premium, full package options in various sizes, profiles, overcaps and actuators.

HCP

At HCP, Cheryl Bisset, senior vice president of sales at HCP Packaging USA, explained that they are putting a strong emphasis and their expertise on sustainability and on eye-popping deco. They showcased their options for refillables—and “reduce reuse recycle.” For instance, HCP’s Ringo jar is a refill pack that lets you pop in and out the new refill. It also features a patented dial design with no magnet or glue. Also—Aphrodite was a gorgeous compact with a dimensional mother-of-pearl-like design for a luxe look.

HNB Corporation

Korean brand HNB Corporation highlighted a mini corn makeup brush. Its small, practical wood handle and head are made of fiber derived from corn.

ICONS Beauty Group

In September 2023, ICONS Beauty Group acquired an on-shore USA packaging facility, now operating as ICONS|America LLC and the team made their debut at MakeUp in New York. The ICONS|America facility currently specializes in the production of injection molded tubes which deliver sustainable, mono-material PP tubes with “unlimited” decoration and finishing capabilities. ICONS has an over 30-year history of providing quality beauty packaging products and says that the acquisition of the manufacturing operation broadens their capabilities with made-in-USA products, reducing carbon footprint and shortening shipment delivery lead times. 

IL Cosmetics

Made with more than 96% natural ingredients, IL Cosmetics curling mascara contains mango butter, and no micro plastic particles—only vegetable waxes. According to IL, the product meets Clean with Sephora, Ulta and other large retailer guidelines. IL says the vegan mascara ticks every box. It was specifically developed with the brand—from formula to packaging.

Kolmar

Gillian Drotar, product development and marketing manager, Kolmar USA, spoke to us about some of the company’s latest advances. Sunbeam Body Serum is delivered in packaging made of agave (10-70% content) in addition to plastic. The agave tube and cap are considered biodegradable and sustainable. Renewable and sustainable tubes and caps made of stone resin are also available. Rather than providing a tanning effect, Radiance Water Serum provides a nice glow. Turnkey services are available via a packaging collaboration with PKG/Yonwoo.

Libo

Full PET materials packages—some with square shapes with rounded edges—stood out at Libo. Also available as packs for eyebrow, mascara and shadow, a complete family can be created. Compacts can be done with or without magnets. An array of finishes includes metallic gold, textured and more.

Lumson

It’s all about sustainability going hand in hand with innovation at Lumson, “where we qualify our innovations through our sustainability platform, in order to ensure that we utilize optimal raw materials, processes, and lifecycle analysis studies,” said Emanuele Mazzei, CEO and EVP of Global Business at Lumson USA. He added “When we create a new product, we want to assure our customers that the environmental considerations have been addressed.” Mazzei said that Lumson is also “going through great lengths in transitioning existing products, to more eco-friendly and mono-material solutions,” as well as offering PCR glass options for its packaging. 

NF Beauty Group

NF Beauty Group is a turnkey provider with expertise in ceramides of various textures, including beaded ceramide formulations for skincare. One of the latest is micro-encapsulated ceramides with a high percentage of efficacy. A 50ml tottle with a “racetrack disc cap” features a push top for easy dispensing.

Ningbo

Ningbo Eyecos Cosmetic Co. Ltd. manufactures a variety of cosmetics packages, but mainly focuses on cosmetic pencils. At MUNY, the company showcased a retractable eyebrow pencil with a unique push-up mechanism. The pencil is available in PP and PET plastic.

Pennelli Faro

Pennelli Faro was the IT winner for Accessories in this year’s show awards competition. The Segno by Pennelli Faro is a makeup brush wearable on the wrist, and which provides a new gesture. It features a precision brush mounted in a flexible lace, available in a variety of materials. Pennelli Faro also showcased its award-winning Fless brush—a patented brush range in which the brush is worn on the finger to apply cosmetics. Both minimal brushes eliminate the need for a ferrule or a handle—and are sustainable in that they use less materials, said Sara Zanafredi, Pennelli Faro’s CEO and owner, 

Pibiplast

At MakeUp in NewYork, Pibiplast showcased several novelties designed and developed in PIBILab, its in-house innovation laboratory, including the third chapter of the Make Up Your Mood collection—three mascaras and a brow product with brand new applicators; Twisty—an inclusive, one-hand and travel-friendly tottle with an innovative no-spill system; and Snap & Go—duo packaging that enables brands to mix and match products and create unique combos.

Roberts Beauty

Roberts Beauty Studio Lab is a boutique innovation lab that emphasizes the brand's commitment to clean ingredient technology and broadens its range of comprehensive beauty industry services. The lab adopts a holistic approach to ingredient sourcing, monitoring, and anticipating raw material trends. It also considers country of origin, target costs, and order quantities throughout development, ensuring a seamless process from ideation to execution.
 
At MakeUp in NewYork, Roberts called attention to its lab with a cookie decorating activity using their new innovative tubes with a flexible seal for the decorating. The tubes allow pinpointing of the formula with a good line of sight.

Taeyang Renew

IT Packaging Award winner and turnkey packaging supplier Taeyang Renew introduced an innovative pack for applying mascara. Their Airtight Slider Mascara includes a retractable applicator for airtight cosmetic packaging. By unscrewing the cap, the applicator gently emerges from the tube, covered with “just the right amount of formula.” The pack can also be adapted to nail polish, eye and lip products.

Texen

At Texen, Julie Vergnion, director marketing communications, showed us a number of innovative, luxe, and sustainable packages from premium brands including YSL, Chanel and Stella McCartney. The supplier also introduced their Multi-Intensity Brush designed for skincare; it takes up a small amount of space in a makeup bag and features a rotating system “that allows users to modulate the length and mass of the brush for selective makeup application.”
 
Chanel partnered with Texen on an extra-large eco-designed compact. The brand’s new “Les Beiges” product is in an elegant compact in a 10cm x 10cm format, one of the largest in the range. With eco-sustainability a strong factor, Chanel chose a food-grade rPET for this thin-walled compact with a hinge that is particularly difficult to assemble. Texen spent 18 months investing in R&D, and said it was able to meet Chanel’s challenges of “redefining sustainable luxury.”
 
Also of interest at Texen:  A high-end cardboard palette from YSL and, from Stella McCartney, an airless pouch in glass with reusable pump.

Thai Ho Biotech Cosmetics

Thai Ho offered a number of novelty cosmetics ideal for fun—and Instagramming. Rose powder compacts bloomed out of their holder.  The eye-catching design of the supplier’s two-tone twist bullet lipstick is inspired by a Chinese recipe—fried dough twist. Alternating white and red shades combine benefits of both lipstick and lip gloss. Thaiho Group provides one-stop service. The supplier says they offer more than 10,000 customizable formulations.

The Penthouse Group

The Penthouse Group (TPG) is a 71-year-old three-generation family-owned business. At MUNY, one of the items they highlighted was their Dream Puff—"an extra thick and luxurious adaptation” to the traditional “Cushion Puff.”  It utilizes TPG’s exclusive Rubycell Foam material for application. The backing material can be either an ultra-smooth faux leatherette or suedette material. The ribbon is the same faux leather or suedette, and they can add your brand logo. 

Tokiwa

Tokiwa, a Japanese manufacturer and supplier, featured its colored liquid liners at MakeUp in NewYork. The supplier’s customized eye products offer refillable innovative packaging, rich textures, smooth and fine lines and intense colors. The liquid liners are available in both refillable wooden and plastic packaging. The liners contain specialized tips to apply intense color while having durability when drawing. Over 50 colors are available.

Zhongshan Yicai Bamboo and Wood Products

Zhongshan Yicai Bamboo and Wood Products highlighted refillable bamboo concealer/lip balm tubes. Plastic and magnet-free, the container consists of a 1.2mm-thick reusable bamboo concealer and a cardboard tube. Decorated with white and black painting, the packaging is ideal for luxe mascara, compacts and lip products. Packs are biodegradable, without glue, easily separable, and seemingly etched.